Cartoon Networks is on the hunt for African Animation Talent

June 15, 2018

Cartoon Network Africa has launched a new initiative called “Creative Lab” to solicit local short-form animated content for and from people living in Africa. The initiative is specifically looking for creators, writers, graphic artists and animation students to help produce these new projects.

Cartoon Network Africa is seeking new talent on the continent though their “Creative Lab” initiative. The Creative Lab is essentially an adult-targeted version of Cartoon Network’s Imagination Studios initiative as it is open to African residents above 18 years of age or Africa based companies. Prospective content producers have until the 31st of August to apply.

Submissions should consist of a one-to-three minute short comedy project in line with Cartoon Networks other programming. The Network will pick ten shortlisted projects that the creators will then get to pitch to its team. After which the winner and two runners-up will be revealed at the DISCOP media convention in Johannesburg from the 14th-16th November and then given the opportunity to turn their project into a pilot to premiere sometime in 2019.

The Head of Programming and Acquisition for Turner Kids Africa – Ariane Suveg explained that they want to help support the African animation industry with the use of the initiative.

“We were so impressed by Cape Town-based Punch Monkey Studio’s amazing creative energy in the winning entry ‘Cloud Life’ that the project has been traveling through the Turner group and is now in a development process with the Turner Asia Pacific production team! This just reinforces our need to invest in local content and our commitment to further mentoring talent in the African animation industry. We are honoured to be supporting local African animation talent through the Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab. We look forward to seeing the entries and hope to see the winners flourish in their career as content creators, following the footsteps of some of Cartoon Network’s greatest talents.”

The Creative Lab is the first-ever Cartoon Network creative venture run in Africa designed to bring innovative, local short-form content to the Cartoon Network’s TV channel and its digital platforms.